Editing Empress Matilda (section)

===Stalemate===
[[File:Invasion of Normandy 1142-3.png|thumb|alt=A map of Normandy in 1142|[[Geoffrey of Anjou]]'s invasion of Normandy, 1142–43]]
In the aftermath of the retreat from Winchester, Matilda rebuilt her court at [[Devizes Castle]] in [[Wiltshire]], a former property of the [[Bishop of Salisbury]] that had been confiscated by Stephen.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chibnall|1991|p=118}}</ref> She established her household knights on the surrounding estates, supported by Flemish mercenaries, ruling through the network of local sheriffs and other officials.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chibnall|1991|pp=120, 122}}</ref> Many of those that had lost lands in the regions held by the King travelled west to take up patronage from Matilda.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chibnall|1991|pp=123–125}}</ref> Backed by the pragmatic Robert of Gloucester, Matilda was content to engage in a drawn-out struggle, and the war soon entered a stalemate.<ref>{{harvnb|Davis|1977|p=78}}; {{Harvnb|Chibnall|1991|pp=120, 146}}</ref>

At first, the balance of power appeared to move slightly in Matilda's favour.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chibnall|1991|p=120}}</ref> Robert besieged Stephen in 1143 at [[Wilton Castle]], an assembly point for royal forces in Herefordshire.<ref name=BradburyP139>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=139}}</ref> Stephen attempted to break out and escape, resulting in the [[Battle of Wilton]]. Once again, the Angevin cavalry proved too strong, and for a moment it appeared that Stephen might be captured for a second time, before finally managing to escape.<ref>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=140}}</ref> Later in the year, Geoffrey of Essex rose up in rebellion against Stephen in East Anglia.<ref>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=141}}</ref> Geoffrey based himself from the Isle of Ely and began a military campaign against [[Cambridge]], with the intention of progressing south towards London.<ref>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=144}}</ref> Ranulf of Chester revolted once again in the summer of 1144.<ref name=BarlowP179>{{harvnb|Barlow|1999|p=179}}</ref>
Meanwhile, Geoffrey of Anjou finished securing his hold on southern Normandy, and in January 1144 he advanced into [[Rouen]], the capital of the Duchy, concluding his campaign.<ref name="Barlow, p.178"/> Louis VII recognised him as Duke of Normandy shortly after.<ref>{{harvnb|Amt|1993|p=7}}</ref>

Despite these successes, Matilda was unable to consolidate her position.<ref>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=158}}</ref> Miles of Gloucester, one of the most talented of her military commanders, had died while hunting over the previous Christmas.<ref>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=147}}</ref> Geoffrey of Essex's rebellion against Stephen in the east ended with his death in September 1144 during an attack on [[Burwell Castle]] in Cambridgeshire.<ref name=BradburyP146>{{harvnb|Bradbury|2009|p=146}}</ref> As a result, Stephen made progress against Matilda's forces in the west in 1145, recapturing [[Faringdon Castle]] in Oxfordshire.<ref name=BradburyP146/> Matilda authorised Reginald of Cornwall to attempt fresh peace negotiations, but neither side was prepared to compromise.<ref name="Chibnall 1991 121">{{Harvnb|Chibnall|1991|p=121}}</ref>